Lest we forget
Mission Statement
The Spiritual medicine of Vodou brings healing and relief from the shackles of slavery that bind the master and the slave to the same chain of social division.
Inspired by National Vodun Day in Benin and led by black community members, New Orleans National Vodou Day is a day of collective remembrance and spiritual reparation that is preceded by a symposium, and includes a procession to monuments at the sites of slavery in New Orleans, ritual to account for and seek absolution for the city’s and the country’s participation in the institution of slavery, homage to those Ancestors who suffered through and survived the transatlantic slave trade, and honor and appreciation for the achievements of those who came out of oppression. Two days for education, creative expression, elevation, cultural exchange, and above all, healing. Through authentic Vodou traditions, handed down through generations, we offer a path to healing from the ongoing ramifications of slavery and racism in the United States.
Vision Statement
Through an international partnership, New Orleans National Vodou Day becomes a major annual event in New Orleans, bringing peace, relief and healing, and connecting New Orleans with Benin, Haiti - the major points of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and hubs of Vodou - as well as all nations where African Traditional Religions are practiced, in a healing circuit and drawing visitors from around the world.
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Our Goals:
New Orleans National Vodun Days is dedicated to honoring the rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions of Vodun, a vibrant and ancient African diasporic practice.
Our goals include:
- Educate and raise awareness about the history, principles, and practices of Vodun
- Provide a platform for Vodun practitioners, artists, and community members to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences
- Foster greater understanding, respect, and inclusivity among diverse spiritual traditions and communities
- Celebrate the contributions and resilience of African diasporic cultures in New Orleans and beyond
- Promote cultural exchange, collaboration, and social justice through Vodun-centered programming and initiatives
By embracing the spirits, traditions, and community of Vodun, we aim to create a more just, equitable, and enchanting world."
- Contribute to a world where Vodun and African diasporic spiritual traditions are celebrated, respected, and integrated into the fabric of our society, fostering:
- Spiritual growth and wellness
- Cultural understanding and exchange
- Community empowerment and social justice
- Artistic expression and innovation
- Intergenerational knowledge sharing and preservation
New Orleans National Vodun Days serves as a beacon for Vodun practitioners, artists, and enthusiasts, connecting us to our ancestors, our heritage, and each other. Through our collective efforts, we aim to:
- Revitalize and promote Vodun traditions in New Orleans and beyond
- Create a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community
- Inspire personal transformation, creativity, and social change
- Honor the past, embrace the present, and manifest a brighter future
The power and wisdom of Vodun, can contribute to a world that is more just, compassionate, and enchanting where Vodun and African diasporic spiritual traditions are valued and integrated into society, promoting spiritual growth, cultural understanding, community empowerment, artistic expression, and social justice.